lovely | thirteen reasons why

(31) libby knows

After the amount of work Libby had to do between cheer, her studies, her boyfriend, and HO, it felt so nice to finally be back in the band room. Orchestra had officially started again, and Libby of course was trying out for first chair. As if she didn't have enough going on. The way last year's performances ended with a fizzle as a result of event cancellations because of the trial, this year felt like a second chance for all of them. In the end, Libby got third chair, but she was strangely okay with that. It would have been nice to end strong, but she understood that her teacher probably took a look at her extracurriculars and put a ban on anymore. At least she knows she's going to college.

Tyler felt the beginning of practice too, what with the nightly practices in his room. He wasn't complaining as it gave him the inspiration to start taking her photos again. Something he had inexplicably stopped doing after losing the motivation to express himself. But Libby always had the affect of making that feeling wash away with just a smile.

He asked her one night. "Is this what you want to do with your life? Become a violinist?"

She smiled. "I haven't thought much about it. I know I'll have to work for my dad for a bit in New York, but maybe after."

He blinked. That had been the second time he's heard of this, but he didn't understand. "What do you mean work for him? Did he offer you a job after graduation?"

Libby hesitated. "More like pushed it on me in exchange for us being together." 

Tyler's eyes widen. "W-what? You had to pay a price for this, and........but you hate your father."

She nodded. "I do, but I love you more than I hate him. Besides, it's only five years of being his obedient servant for the rest of our lives together. Seeing it that way makes it easier." He still looked unsure. "This was my choice, Ty."

He looked away. "It just feels like you keep making sacrifices to be with me. It's hard to believe sometimes that the universe wants us together when we keep having to jump through hoops."

Libby shook her head as she cupped his face and kissed him. "I want to do this for us. After everything you've had to endure to be with me, it's my turn to endure so that I can be with you."

That night Tyler couldn't sleep. She was wrong, he hadn't had to go through nearly as much as she has in order to be together. The only thing he can think of is her brother shooting a blank at his head. That was pretty traumatizing. But other than that he has been nothing but a selfish and entitled asshole who has made her life miserable. That's how it was until the sun crept into his room. Thinking about all the ways her life would improve if he wasn't around. And a few times, his eyes darted to the space behind his wall. Where he hid his gun.

Libby on the other hand was having a day full of dread. She had a feeling something she wasn't gonna like was going to happen. But she didn't know what. At least until she went to her locker and saw none other than Scott Reed stand behind her. "Libby..." She jumped as she turned around. He had somehow gotten taller, his face more chiseled, and his blonde hair no longer scruffy looking as it was cut fairly short. She didn't know how a man could look even more handsome than before, but she hated how tongue tied she felt as she stared at him. "Hey, Libs. I know it's been a long time and I'm sorry. I've been acting immature, but I wanted to give you the summer before I tried again. I miss you so much. Can we please talk?" He was giving her the puppy eyes. A trick she thought only Justin could master. But his golden retriever energy struck again.

And Libby was left speechless. "F-fine. When?"

Scott gestured to an empty classroom. "Now would be pretty great." He extended his hand to her and she cautiously took it. Letting him guide her across the hall while she stared at him mesmerized.